Concerns have been raised over plans which will see jobseekers on Universal Credit having to look for work outside their chosen field or face sanctions.
The UK Government has announced that claimants will be expected to search more widely for available jobs from the fourth week of their claim – rather than from three months as is currently the case.
After that point, if they fail to make “reasonable efforts” to secure a job or turn down any offer, they will have part of their Universal Credit payment withdrawn.
Joe McCormack, of West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau, said the new rules could increase the number of sanctions handed out and put further pressure on local foodbanks, which are already seeing rising numbers.
He said: “A lot of people on Universal Credit are on it as a result of the lockdown and weren’t being put under too much pressure to find work before.
“It’s going to be much tougher under these new plans.
“The problem is that sanctions put more pressure on local foodbanks as well as the council in terms of crisis grants.
“Somebody could be sanctioned within four weeks before they even get their first payment.
“We’re urging people to get in touch with us as quickly as possible if they have any concerns.”
Way to Work is intended to target those who are able to work but either do not have a job or are earning low amounts.
It’s is part of an initiative to get 500,000 people into work by June and fill a record high 1.2 million job vacancies nationally.
DWP say claimants will be supported with more time spent face to face with a work coach to receive better, tailored support.
A spokeswoman said: “This is about getting people who are ready to work in to that first job or back into a job, so that they can look for a better job and secure a future career.
“This programme also builds on the wider Plan for Jobs which is helping jobseekers to retrain, build new skills and get back into work.”
DWP added that people will only be sanctioned if they fail to meet what they agreed to without a good reason and that they can dispute decisions if they had a suitable reason for not meeting a requirement.
Anybody looking for advice should contact West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice on 0800 484 0136.
